Christian Science, Catholic, Ukrainian viewpoints added to F&V board

As our regular readers know, this spot usually hold a column by a member of the Independent Mail Faith & Values Advisory Board. These are people the editors of the section, Charmaine Smith-Miles and I, have chosen, usually from recommendations from the community, from many different faith backgrounds.

Each board member serves a one-year term, writing columns and book reviews and helping us come up with great stories for these pages. Every six months or so, about half the members roll off the board, and new members begin terms. So today, here is an introduction to the new board members.

Joining us this month and staying until June 2010 are:

Marybeth Evans

Marybeth Evans is the community services coordinator for the Anderson County Library System and lives in Anderson. She's a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Seneca-Clemson, a branch of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston. She's the chairman of the church's Lecture Committee and Care Committee and serves in the Sunday school. She has been first reader for the branch church and chairman of its board of directors. The church is at 507 S. Townville St. in Seneca.

Sister Joan Kobe

Sister Joan Kobe works with three Roman Catholic churches in the Upstate: St. Paul in Seneca, St. Andrew's in Clemson and St. Francis in Walhalla.

George Nestertsov

George Nestertsov, 20, is a member of Summer of God Church in Anderson. It is a Slavic-speaking church trying to build faith in Christ Jesus. "Life has its struggles but I know that God is in total control and will never let us go," George said. "I pray that He blesses every one reading this and shows us how to live and rejoice daily."

Evans, Kobe and Nestertsov will join our three current board members:

Jake Beaty

Jake is originally from Seneca. He graduated from Anderson College in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in biology. He has been a part of NewSpring Church since June 2000 and currently serves as the pastor of care and outreach. Jake lives in Anderson with his wife, Suzanne, and their two children, Peyton and Lauren.

Rev. Gloria Fleming

The Rev. Gloria Fleming is pastor of Mt. Carmel CME Church in Anderson. The congregation, with the help of the community, is rebuilding its very old church building. The church also offers day care and a soup kitchen, both of which the Rev Fleming is very involved with.

Rev. Gene Williams

The Rev. Gene Williams serves as the pastor of St. Paul's First Baptist Church, 322 W. Reed St. in Anderson. The Rev. Williams is a firm believer in the word of God and strongly feels that it has at its foundation the inclusion of all religions. "If we freely acknowledge God and allow our hearts to be receptive to His understanding all things are possible."